Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Support Group

Obviously be there for them (as you've already begun)...and be prepared for the unexpected times, as when there may be an unpleasant trip to the hospital in the middle of the night and they need to drop their friend's sister over at a moment's notice.

Also, not knowing the age of your daughter, addressing it with her in an appropriate manner.

Dr. J

Speaking from recent experience, my husband and I had to fly to Toronto, Ontario from Tampa, Florida because our lovely 33-year old sister\in-law passed away from the effects of chemo following a sudden diagnosis of ALL. Friends offered to keep of 4 daughters for us while we went! They range in ages from 14 to 1! You are doing more than you know! It was just such a relief to not have to worry about our daughters, knowing they were being loved and cared for. And if the family knows that you are there for them ANYTIME they need you 24/7, you have no idea what a huge blessing that is! Thank you for having a helping heart!

offer to take over some shifts in the hospital so they can come away for a break, my daughter died two years ago from ALL and when i saw all the people at her funeral, i wondered where they were when me and her dad, and my new partner, were in hospital day and night sometimes, through her chemotherapy

Offer support to the parents, and offer to let your daughter's best friend and any other siblings stay at your home when the parents are at the hospital. Letting her stay for the weekend is perfect. Bring over ready-made meals so that the parents don't have to cook and have time to rest at the end of the day and they can spend time with their other children.
When I was diagnosed my parents didn't have much time for my other siblings and had to hire a live-in nanny to cook and take care of them so that my dad could go on working and my mom could be in the hospital with me.

Your friends need you. I am going through the same ordeal with my daughter. Just knowing I have friends to talk to really helped.

I had ALL when I was younger. My mom and dad always told me that family and friends were very helpful. Just being there and supporting them through these rough times can help. There really isnt anything anyone can do. I still have every little teddy bear and gift that was given to me in the hospital (this will help calm the little girl.)

i no this reli well.my best friend was diagnosed with this and my mum did everything and anything she could for not just for her but for her family. just simple things such as offering to look after her sister to offering to do their washing if they have to spend long stints in hospital. just make it aware that u r there and u always do ur best to help!i always made sure i called my best friend everyday, if not every other day because spending so long in hospital, there can be a tendancy to lose alot of friends. just make sure u dont lose touch in this awful time, because that can be one of the worst things to find u r battling this alone. her mum will need support so let her no tht u support her. ask her out for coffee when they are home and for chat. if u make it clear tht u are there for them, they will call on u wen they need u.
x

All this advice is great and helpful. I went through all this when my husband was sick and in the hospital. Knowing I had friends there to take care of my 3 children so that I could stay with my husband the whole time was such a blessing. We appreciated all the visits at the hospital, it passed the time for us. Especially if ur in isolation. So anything you can offer will be appreciated and helpful.

Well just taking the daughter while the parents are at the hospital is a BIG help. When I was being treated I was in the hospital alot and I have 3 other sisters my mom needed to take care of as well. Just simple things that people did like babysitting, cooking dinners every now and then and just being there for emotional support helped out alot. Just let them know your there for them and but don't be to smothering becouse they may need there space too. Your oviously a great friend and their lucky to have you!